Senior Lecturer: Curriculum Theory or Research Methodologies
- University: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Education
- Department: Curriculum Studies and Higher Education
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6584
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 2 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Lecturer: Curriculum Theory or Research Methodologies to join the Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, curriculum development, academic leadership and departmental administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education.
- Supervise postgraduate students in the relevant field.
- Participate in the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning Programme and Teaching Practice.
- Conduct research in Curriculum Studies and publish in accredited national and international journals.
- Contribute to curriculum development in the relevant field.
- Apply for external funding for research and/or teaching and learning projects.
- Mentor and support junior academic staff.
- Participate in departmental and faculty leadership and administrative responsibilities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Curriculum Theory, Curriculum Policy or Research Methodologies.
- At least 3 years’ relevant experience in a higher education environment.
- Proven experience in teaching and learning management and/or module leadership.
- Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Proven experience presenting research papers/posters at national and preferably international scholarly conferences, with evidence of peer review.
- Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
- An NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating.
- Proven experience supervising completed Honours and Master’s students.
- A proven research record, including publications in peer-reviewed national and internationally accredited scientific journals.
- Active membership of a national or international scholarly society, committee or agency concerned with higher-education research.
- Evidence of involvement as a PI, Co-PI or researcher in a grant-funded research project within the past five years.
- Proven experience in one or more engaged scholarship projects within the past five years.
Recommended Requirements
- Experience using different research methodologies and/or data-analysis tools.
- Experience in grant writing and/or preparing research funding applications.
Key Competencies
Results Orientation
- Ability to adapt to changing environments and evolving situations.
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail and organisation.
- Ability to plan and execute work effectively.
Business Acumen
- Ability to comply with rules, policies and work regulations.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
Leadership
- Ability to take charge, provide direction and lead others.
- Ability to encourage cooperation and teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Ability to negotiate, influence and persuade.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position offers:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applicants must provide:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are encouraged to merge documents where necessary to avoid upload issues.
Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Assistance is also available at 051 401 2876 / 9813.
Closing Date: 2 September 2026